Instagram releases new guidelines for using copyrighted music on the platform

Instagram today published a new set of rules around the use of copyrighted music accompanying a live or recorded video posted on the platform. The latest update also applies to music that’s included in a live broadcast or video content uploaded to Facebook.

The company says it will change how notifications are sent to users when they go live or upload video with music content in a way that violates its licensing agreements. A warning message will appear earlier in a live broadcast to alert users to any violation. This is to help them avoid Instagram’s automatic interruption by adjusting the stream and removing the unlicensed audio. These interruptions can come in the form of muting or blocking if Instagram detects that a video includes unlicensed music and approaches its restrictions. For uploaded videos that have been muted or blocked for the same violation, users will see recommended steps to remedy the situation. To avoid that limitation, Instagram recommends the use of shorter clips of music.

Instagram also says there are no limits to the use of music in Stories or when filming a live musical event. Another rule of thumb is to always include a visual element in a video so that recorded audio does not become the main focus. These guidelines apply regardless of the type of account: page, profile, verified or unverified.